What is a ‘nation’? What is a ‘state’? Where have these ideas come from and how have they developed over time? This free course, National identity in Britain and Ireland, 1780-1840, explores how the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland was formed. It then moves to analyse the distinctions between the terms ‘nation’ and ‘state’. Finally, it evaluates the role of national identities in British popular politics during the first half of the nineteenth century.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
understand how the concepts of 'nation' and 'nationalism' emerged during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries
understand the processes that led to the formation of the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland
understand what is meant by 'nation'
understand what is meant by 'state'
understand how national identities emerged and converged in nineteenth-century Britain.
As an Irish person trying to learn more about their heritage, this course was amazing at covering the topic of Irish emancipation, the key figures involved as well as Acts and legislations that were passed (and tried to be passed)